AbleGamers and Train Jam 2018 are partnering to provide an exciting opportunity for three talented game developers with disabilities. Chosen applicants will get an all-expenses paid trip to the Train Jam event as well as VIP access to the Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2018 in San Francisco.
Last year, AbleGamers and Train Jam first partnered together to bring two talented upcoming developers to the GDC and are proud to expand their support this year by bringing three applicants. Applications will be considered until 11:59 PM PT on December 3, 2017 and are open now at ablegamers.com/trainjam.
In a press release, Train Jam founder Adriel Wallick said:
We’re so excited to partner with AbleGamers again for Train Jam 2018. We strive to create an environment where developers from all different backgrounds can collaborate to create amazing games, and we’re beyond thrilled to be working directly with a charity that can help us achieve our vision. We look forward to supporting the three new developers AbleGamers chooses to join us for the event.
The AbleGamers Foundation is a is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose mission is to use fun to bring inclusion and improve quality of life for people with disabilities through the power of video games. They are able to provide gamers with disabilities with assistive technologies that allow those with limited mobility to experience what it is like to walk, run, climb, drive, and even fly in a virtual world. They work free of charge for recipients of their service to break down the economic and social barriers for people with disabilities. You can donate and find more information about them at AbleGamers.com.
Stephen Spohn, COO at AbleGamers, said:
AbleGamers is proud to offer support of future game developers with disabilities through the wonderful Train Jam event. Adriel and her team work tirelessly to help the developers of tomorrow of diverse backgrounds break into the industry and bring their ideas to life for everyone to enjoy. It’s so difficult for developers with disabilities to find employment and growth opportunities in the video game industry. Sponsoring three talented, next generation developers with the opportunity to get an extra edge at a bright future is one of our favorite initiatives.
Train Jam is an annual experience founded in 2013 bringing developers into an entirely different work environment to encourage unique ideas and conceptualize new games. They encourage diverse perspectives and urge people of color, developers with disabilities, and underrepresented genders to join in this event on the way to GDC 2018.
Through AbleGamers and Train Jam’s partnership, chosen applicants will have access to travel aid and special accommodations for varying disabilities. They are happy to provide American Sign Language interpreters, wheelchair accessibility, service animal accommodations, and a caretaker/family member pass if required.
Train Jam will feature fifty-two hours of forming teams, gaming, networking, and working on video games. The journey starts at Chicago Union Station on March 15, 2018 and ends in San Francisco, arriving on March 17, 2018. More information can be found on their website, TrainJam.com.
Game developers and aspiring first-time developers are encouraged to apply, and those chosen will get all access passes to GDC to what the conference offers, such as panels, technology showcases, and demos of new and unreleased games. AbleGamers have limited travel stipends available on an as-needed basis to select sponsorees residing within the continental United States.
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